An article in our Concord, New Hampshire Monitor tells about the opening of a new memorial in Berlin, Germany to honor homosexuals persecuted by the Nazis. This was amazing reading for me as the article reported the words said by Berlin's Mayor, Klaus Wowereit, that 50,000 homosexuals were convicted as criminals with 10,000 to 15,000 deported to concentration camps, where few survived.
Few gays convicted by the Nazis came forward after the war because of the stigma still attached to their sexual orientation which is symptomatic of the postwar society that allowed these victims to be persecuted twice simply by their acts of omission and understanding.
The most astounding fact I culled from the article is the Mayor of Berlin is a Gay man!!! How marvelous that what went around twice for this segment of the German citizenry has come around in such a magnificently positive way. What would Hitler think??
When I had finished reading the article I thanked our patron saints of domestic partnerships and gay relationships for the peaceful and unthreatening manner in which Kay and I are allowed to live out our lives.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
GOOD FOR THE CHICKEN
In a recent tongue-in-cheek survey entitled, "Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road", this hilarious explanation was attributed to Jerry Falwell.
Because the chicken was Gay, of course! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it 'the other side'. Yes, my friends - that chicken is Gay and if you eat that chicken, you'll become Gay too! That chicken should not be crossing the road, it's as simple as that!
You know what? There are all sorts of nursery rhymes and adages that can be turned inside out and interpreted to suit any and all beliefs and prejudices. Although Jerry Falwell never actually spoke about this chicken or any other, these are sad commentaries about our alternative lifestyle of choice.
Stay tuned...my next Blog will be about Hillary and Barack and their stand on GLBT issues.
Because the chicken was Gay, of course! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it 'the other side'. Yes, my friends - that chicken is Gay and if you eat that chicken, you'll become Gay too! That chicken should not be crossing the road, it's as simple as that!
You know what? There are all sorts of nursery rhymes and adages that can be turned inside out and interpreted to suit any and all beliefs and prejudices. Although Jerry Falwell never actually spoke about this chicken or any other, these are sad commentaries about our alternative lifestyle of choice.
Stay tuned...my next Blog will be about Hillary and Barack and their stand on GLBT issues.
Monday, May 26, 2008
GOLDEN THREADS
Golden Threads is an organization founded twenty years - or more - ago by a Lesbian woman in her 80's who had been shunned by women's social organizations because of her sexual preference. Golden Threads is for Lesbian women aged 50 and older. There is a quarterly publication that will link Lesbians with one another and report any events that might be of interest.
Kay and I used to attend their annual celebration held in Provincetown, Massachusetts. These were wonderful gatherings of Lesbians from all over the country who could meet for three days and just feel free to be themselves...and enjoy good food, parties, dancing and entertainment. There were also workshops of all sorts, purveyor displays and this was where we displayed our book, "Sisters by Heart", and presented a program based on our story.
At the close of the weekend a terrific ceremony was held to wish us on our way and to cement the ties that had bound us together for that brief period. One year I wrote the following that I called "Draw the Circle Wide"....this is part of it:
We give thanks for the chance to exchange thoughts and ideas with one another. We resolve to keep ourselves healthy in mind and body so that we can return another year to once again join hands and hearts in celebration of our Lesbian lives. As we depart from this special gathering let us take with us the spiritual gifts we have received and draw strength from the GOLDEN THREADS that bind us together.
This is my message this morning - for women in a same-sex partnership or Lesbians still in the closet looking for a way out into the sunshine of living an alternative lifestyle, contact me for more information for a way to subscribe to the Golden Threads Newsletter. Email me at uniqueyankee@ comcast.net.
Kay and I used to attend their annual celebration held in Provincetown, Massachusetts. These were wonderful gatherings of Lesbians from all over the country who could meet for three days and just feel free to be themselves...and enjoy good food, parties, dancing and entertainment. There were also workshops of all sorts, purveyor displays and this was where we displayed our book, "Sisters by Heart", and presented a program based on our story.
At the close of the weekend a terrific ceremony was held to wish us on our way and to cement the ties that had bound us together for that brief period. One year I wrote the following that I called "Draw the Circle Wide"....this is part of it:
We give thanks for the chance to exchange thoughts and ideas with one another. We resolve to keep ourselves healthy in mind and body so that we can return another year to once again join hands and hearts in celebration of our Lesbian lives. As we depart from this special gathering let us take with us the spiritual gifts we have received and draw strength from the GOLDEN THREADS that bind us together.
This is my message this morning - for women in a same-sex partnership or Lesbians still in the closet looking for a way out into the sunshine of living an alternative lifestyle, contact me for more information for a way to subscribe to the Golden Threads Newsletter. Email me at uniqueyankee@ comcast.net.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Two years ago today, Kay and I had a Blessing Ceremony in our Congregational Church in Rochester, New Hampshire - our was only the second union service for a same-sex couple in our church.
One of the things that made the day so remarkable was out of 149 United Church of Christ churches in our state, there are only 19 in which we could have had such a service in the church sanctuary. You see, those 19 churches are Open and Affirming which means the congregation voted unanimously to permit Gay/Lesbian couples to have a Blessing Ceremony in the church, also it opened the door to the hiring of a Gay or Lesbian pastor, Sunday School teacher or the opportunity to serve on any board or committee.
Why, you're probably thinking, wouldn't any church permit this - Open and Affirming or not? I guess the only clear cut answer is, fear of the unknown. Who are these Gay & Lesbians? Do you know what they do in their bedrooms? They're all Pedophiles you know, and the very worst comment Kay and I were subjected to, "we don't want any of those dirty people coming into our church". Also, "we don't want to be known as the 'Gay Church' in town".
Kay and I worked for almost 10 years with the New Hampshire Conference, UCC, Open & Affirming Committee traveling to churches in the Conference that were interested in learning more about what it means to be Open and Affirming and telling our story and explaining the O&A concept. Of the 19 churches in the conference who went through the process successfully, we were responsible for bringing seven of them to a positive vote.
And now, today is our day to remember the warmth and love that poured over our Gay relationship two years ago in the sanctuary of our church as we received God's blessing on our union from the pastor of the church.
One of the things that made the day so remarkable was out of 149 United Church of Christ churches in our state, there are only 19 in which we could have had such a service in the church sanctuary. You see, those 19 churches are Open and Affirming which means the congregation voted unanimously to permit Gay/Lesbian couples to have a Blessing Ceremony in the church, also it opened the door to the hiring of a Gay or Lesbian pastor, Sunday School teacher or the opportunity to serve on any board or committee.
Why, you're probably thinking, wouldn't any church permit this - Open and Affirming or not? I guess the only clear cut answer is, fear of the unknown. Who are these Gay & Lesbians? Do you know what they do in their bedrooms? They're all Pedophiles you know, and the very worst comment Kay and I were subjected to, "we don't want any of those dirty people coming into our church". Also, "we don't want to be known as the 'Gay Church' in town".
Kay and I worked for almost 10 years with the New Hampshire Conference, UCC, Open & Affirming Committee traveling to churches in the Conference that were interested in learning more about what it means to be Open and Affirming and telling our story and explaining the O&A concept. Of the 19 churches in the conference who went through the process successfully, we were responsible for bringing seven of them to a positive vote.
And now, today is our day to remember the warmth and love that poured over our Gay relationship two years ago in the sanctuary of our church as we received God's blessing on our union from the pastor of the church.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
LESBIANS' PHILOSOPHY OF AGING
Recently someone said to us, "You have the philosophy of a much younger age - you're hooked into everything new and different". It's true. Kay and I are au courant with our thinking and our interests in trying new things. We feel it's keeping us young.
Many people approach old age gingerly calling it everything but what it actually is - anything to avoid using the "o" word. But, old wine and old furniture is much more valuable the older it gets because they're more highly prized. Kay and I appreciate each other more and more every day.
In our case, happiness is having lived so long and having the chance to try all the new ideas and processes that are available to us in return for the longer time it takes us to learn. We Blog, Blog Blast and Feed Burn with the best of them and it keeps us in touch with all of you "out there".
Are there any older Lesbian couples checking our Blog regularly? If so, please email us at uniqueyankee@comcast.net. We're waiting to hear from you and get your thoughts and ideas on being older partners in life or living alternative lifestyles.
Many people approach old age gingerly calling it everything but what it actually is - anything to avoid using the "o" word. But, old wine and old furniture is much more valuable the older it gets because they're more highly prized. Kay and I appreciate each other more and more every day.
In our case, happiness is having lived so long and having the chance to try all the new ideas and processes that are available to us in return for the longer time it takes us to learn. We Blog, Blog Blast and Feed Burn with the best of them and it keeps us in touch with all of you "out there".
Are there any older Lesbian couples checking our Blog regularly? If so, please email us at uniqueyankee@comcast.net. We're waiting to hear from you and get your thoughts and ideas on being older partners in life or living alternative lifestyles.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
CALIFORNIA SETS A NEW STANDARD
The California Supreme Court has certainly seen the light and have overturned the ban on Gay Marriage in that great state!!! Meanwhile we've been deluged with emails from NH Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Council all asking us to celebrate and cheer on only the second state out of 50 to recognize that same-sex couples deserve human rights just as much as opposite-sex couples.
This is truly a cause to celebrate - not for Kay and me so much - but for the generations of young Gays and Lesbians coming along behind us who will need the protection of their civil rights as well. Perhaps the cautious overtures that are made by today's political candidates to push for Federal benefits such as Social Security (to name 1 of the over 1,000 Federal Benefits which are out of reach for us) will come to fruition one day.
Hooray for California and the doors now open for the same-sex partnerships in that state.
This is truly a cause to celebrate - not for Kay and me so much - but for the generations of young Gays and Lesbians coming along behind us who will need the protection of their civil rights as well. Perhaps the cautious overtures that are made by today's political candidates to push for Federal benefits such as Social Security (to name 1 of the over 1,000 Federal Benefits which are out of reach for us) will come to fruition one day.
Hooray for California and the doors now open for the same-sex partnerships in that state.
Monday, May 12, 2008
MOTHERS' DAY
Kay and I had the most magnificent experience yesterday. We attended the spring concert of the Plymouth, New Hampshire Pemigewasset Choral Society in which my daughter, Amey, sings alto. The program was "Elijah plus..." and featured selections from Mendelsson's Opera. I was excited to hear Amey sing two oratorios as part of an octet. The second half of the concert was devoted to lighter fare and included springtime numbers; but "Turn the World Around" by Harry Belafonte was very special as the chorus clapped and danced along with drum and piano.
I was totally enthralled and spellbound to be part of the audience and bursting with pride. My daughter graduated from Plymouth State University 18 years ago and the director of the concert yesterday, was her choral professor when she was a student. How amazing to have her come full circle.
The fact that it was also Mothers' Day was significant because both my children never fail to honor Kay with a special card. Ever since Kay and I became partners in life, they have looked upon her as a quasi-mother and it does my heart good to see their devotion to her as well as their appreciation for all she does for me.
I was totally enthralled and spellbound to be part of the audience and bursting with pride. My daughter graduated from Plymouth State University 18 years ago and the director of the concert yesterday, was her choral professor when she was a student. How amazing to have her come full circle.
The fact that it was also Mothers' Day was significant because both my children never fail to honor Kay with a special card. Ever since Kay and I became partners in life, they have looked upon her as a quasi-mother and it does my heart good to see their devotion to her as well as their appreciation for all she does for me.
Friday, May 9, 2008
UPDATING NEW STUFF
We're concerned because we haven't received your comments for a while and wonder if it's because of the intimidating list of options to the right of our Blog. To make this all easier you can click on "Subscribe Free to a Reader or Email Free. This will also make it easier for you to order a copy of our book "Sisters by Heart" directly from us if you prefer to take that route rather than going through Amazon.Com.
Send us your comments - we won't bite!! Same-sex couples are about much more than what goes on in the bedroom!!
Send us your comments - we won't bite!! Same-sex couples are about much more than what goes on in the bedroom!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
SISTERS BY HEART
Our sincere thanks to all you good folks "out there" who have been ordering our books from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble....greatly appreciated. We love knowing the message is reaching people that same-sex couples have ordinary lives filled with love and laughter.
Kay and I are looking forward to spending two days in Ogunquit, Maine next week. We stay at the Marginal Way House which is only a few steps from that famed shoreline walkway that goes from Ogunquit center to Perkins' Cove. The walk skirts the rocky coast that Maine boasts about and offers benches where you can sit and soak up the view. Perkins' Cove offers much in the way of scenery that includes more rocks and surf on one side and lobster boats anchored in an inlet on the other. Barnacle Billy's lobster restaurant is also in the Cove with delicious seafood and ice cream which can be eaten on a glorious outside deck overlooking local sights and sounds.
Another good thing about the Marginal Way House is we can take our blessed little Yorkie, Rosey. He loves to go in the car and being with us is top on his list of good things. As we meander through the town shops and sidewalks, passersby stop to exclaim over the little dog. We always pick him up so he feels less threatened and can greet his admirers properly by extending one little front paw to touch an outstretched hand.
All of the above just one more plus in a domestic partnership.
Kay and I are looking forward to spending two days in Ogunquit, Maine next week. We stay at the Marginal Way House which is only a few steps from that famed shoreline walkway that goes from Ogunquit center to Perkins' Cove. The walk skirts the rocky coast that Maine boasts about and offers benches where you can sit and soak up the view. Perkins' Cove offers much in the way of scenery that includes more rocks and surf on one side and lobster boats anchored in an inlet on the other. Barnacle Billy's lobster restaurant is also in the Cove with delicious seafood and ice cream which can be eaten on a glorious outside deck overlooking local sights and sounds.
Another good thing about the Marginal Way House is we can take our blessed little Yorkie, Rosey. He loves to go in the car and being with us is top on his list of good things. As we meander through the town shops and sidewalks, passersby stop to exclaim over the little dog. We always pick him up so he feels less threatened and can greet his admirers properly by extending one little front paw to touch an outstretched hand.
All of the above just one more plus in a domestic partnership.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
WHAT'S IN YOUR KEYS?
Like many Lesbians, Kay and I love sports. Women's tennis is preferred over women's golf, however. Perhaps it's because golf is such a genteel game and both men and women play with the same sort of courtliness but the power of the men's drives is more dramatic to watch on TV.
Kay and I volunteer at the Women's Futures Tournament held annually here in Concord, New Hampshire. The women who compete are vying for a spot in the LPGA and the competition is pretty intense. It's fun and a chance to watch the "future" develop before your eyes.
Today is the Sunday after the Kentucky Derby - a race I adore. Yesterday's anticipation was like no other because of Eight Belles being a rare filly to race against such great odds. Naturally I was cheering her on and was amazed to see her cross the finish line in second place followed by the horror of seeing her down on the track with two front legs broken and learn she had to be immediately euthanized. Such a tragedy.
The Red Sox won last night's game; we're strong members of Red Sox Nation. Although basketball is not a favorite to watch, we're holding our breath for the Celtics to win this afternoon. If they lose, it will be a repeat of the Patriots' disastrous loss to the Giants in the SuperBowl.
To top off my Blog for the day, I need to issue a warning to all computer users who share their keyboards with other users at home or in the office. A message on the TV news this morning exclaimed that there is more E. Coli on a computer keyboard than on a toilet seat. Because Kay and I live, laugh and love together - as well as use the same keyboard and toilet seat, we feel pretty safe - but let this be a wake-up call to wipe down your keyboard with sanitizing wipes frequently.
These are the thoughts from our same-sex partnership in New Hampshire that we refer to as Sisters by Heart.
Kay and I volunteer at the Women's Futures Tournament held annually here in Concord, New Hampshire. The women who compete are vying for a spot in the LPGA and the competition is pretty intense. It's fun and a chance to watch the "future" develop before your eyes.
Today is the Sunday after the Kentucky Derby - a race I adore. Yesterday's anticipation was like no other because of Eight Belles being a rare filly to race against such great odds. Naturally I was cheering her on and was amazed to see her cross the finish line in second place followed by the horror of seeing her down on the track with two front legs broken and learn she had to be immediately euthanized. Such a tragedy.
The Red Sox won last night's game; we're strong members of Red Sox Nation. Although basketball is not a favorite to watch, we're holding our breath for the Celtics to win this afternoon. If they lose, it will be a repeat of the Patriots' disastrous loss to the Giants in the SuperBowl.
To top off my Blog for the day, I need to issue a warning to all computer users who share their keyboards with other users at home or in the office. A message on the TV news this morning exclaimed that there is more E. Coli on a computer keyboard than on a toilet seat. Because Kay and I live, laugh and love together - as well as use the same keyboard and toilet seat, we feel pretty safe - but let this be a wake-up call to wipe down your keyboard with sanitizing wipes frequently.
These are the thoughts from our same-sex partnership in New Hampshire that we refer to as Sisters by Heart.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
GOOD MORNING
The blog interview responses are all posted on Scott Shiffler's website EDGENEWYORK.COM. The interviews all involved Gay Bloggers - very interesting what we all had to say to the same questions. I invite you to check it out.
It's May 1, folks! Here in New Hampshire it's below 30 degrees outside our kitchen window and there's a skim of ice on the garden bird bath. Last week it was so warm we had a Blue Jay couple taking baths in it along with a fat Robin. Even the little Chickadees were getting drinks between chomping on the donut our neighbor keeps in her bird feeder.
In the garden the Day Lilies and Hosta are showing off their growth spurts and my fingers are itching to get in the dirt. Around these parts we can't plant annuals until close to Memorial Day because of possible frosts. One year we had snow on Memorial Day but that was back in the 1960's.
Happy Day to all from Two Outrageous Older Woman in a same-sex partnership.
It's May 1, folks! Here in New Hampshire it's below 30 degrees outside our kitchen window and there's a skim of ice on the garden bird bath. Last week it was so warm we had a Blue Jay couple taking baths in it along with a fat Robin. Even the little Chickadees were getting drinks between chomping on the donut our neighbor keeps in her bird feeder.
In the garden the Day Lilies and Hosta are showing off their growth spurts and my fingers are itching to get in the dirt. Around these parts we can't plant annuals until close to Memorial Day because of possible frosts. One year we had snow on Memorial Day but that was back in the 1960's.
Happy Day to all from Two Outrageous Older Woman in a same-sex partnership.
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